Infrared Electrical Scan

Whether it’s high rise office buildings, hospitals, or an industrial facility, the approaches to accomplishing an infrared electrical scan or Thermal Image can vary as much as the locations. One universal thread throughout these inspections is the manner in which most electrical maintenance folks expose panels for inspection.

Most industrial grade panels have a two part cover but these configurations can, and do, vary from one manufacturer to another. We commonly see an outer cover that has the enclosure door built in and held in place by a number of fasteners. Once this outer cover is removed, many panels have what’s called a deadfront. A deadfront usually describes the inner most layer of covering internal to an electrical apparatus that covers the energized circuit parts. However, the electrical industry has sort of unofficially come to call what is essentially an inner panel cover, or bus cover, a deadfront. This cover is usually the piece of sheet metal that has slots cut in it allow for the faces of the individual circuit breakers to show.

Removing the outer cover will reveal the breaker wire-to-lug connection points for each circuit. So, if you have a wire-to-lug anomaly, you’d be able to view it only with the outer cover removed. If you leave the deadfront in place, what is not visible is the bus-to-breaker connection point, where power is distributed from the panel’s internal bus work to the individual circuit breakers. Often, high resistance will develop in the termination points where each circuit is initially installed, the wire-to-lug junction. However, any connection point in the circuit is a potentially failure point, including the breaker-to-bus connection.

Take the extra step, and removed that deadfront. It only takes a few additional minutes but can add value to your electrical inspection.

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Willie qualified as an electrician in 1992 where he went on to work with CG Services where after a brief period he became Contracts Manager and Instrumentation Manager. After 10 years working with CG Services Willie then moved to Kirby Group Engineering where he worked as a Project Manager and Quality Manager in the company setting up the ISO 9001/2000 system for this company that employed 300+ employees. In 2006 Willie set up his own company IPAT Ltd. and has never looked back and can boasts some extremely high profile clients including Philips 66 Whitegate and Bantry, Heineken Ireland, Glaxosmithkline, BDL Hotel Group, Moorepark, Teagasc and the list goes on...IPAT Ltd specialise in the following services: Periodic Inspection Testing on Electrical Systems, Portable Appliance Testing, Thermal Imaging, Fire Alarm Testing, Emergency Lighting Testing, ATEX Inspection Services & Electrical Maintenance.

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I have known willie for a number of years and would recommend his work to anyone, he is extremely competent and provides a great service.

Timmy Carey, EHS Manager at GE Energy

Very happy with the services provided by Willie to date. Would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone.

Peadar Walsh, Director at Jones Enginerring Group

Willie’s company IPAT have undertaken PAT testing for us and delivered on time and to what was requested. They were good value for money and we are happy to continue to work with, and to recommend them. If anyone needs further details, please contact me directly. James.

James Buckley, Managing Director at Integris Management Services Ltd

Willie provides a wide range of electrical contracting services, many of which we’ve used – PAT testing, thermal imaging, emergency lighting consulting & fire alarm testing. Willie has a “can do” attitude, is a straight talker and show integrity in his work.

Martin O’ Brien, Owner/Trainer at Southern Safety

Willie provides a wide range of electrical contracting services, many of which we’ve used – PAT testing, thermal imaging, emergency lighting consulting & fire alarm testing. Willie has a “can do” attitude, is a straight talker and show integrity in his work.